Description

In this episode, I get to interview Ryan Brassel, the assistant principal of Horn Highschool Mesquite Independent School District. Ryan is entering his 20th year in education as the assistant principal in the secondary high school in northeast texas. He will share how he created a classroom space where teachers could feel safe to build and sustain relationships with kids, which he calls a ‘connection center,’ and the strategy in using conversation before consequences with an apology letter to deal with consequences.

Let’s dig in and learn more about the relationship-centered approach on the secondary level and the importance of conversation before consequences.

[00:01 – 09:08] Opening Segment

• Let’s welcome Ryan Brassell to the show. 
• The Flip 5! We take turns asking five GTKY questions.

[09:09 – 29:56] Relationship-Centered Approach in the Secondary Level

• Ryan talks about how we first connect.
• Bringing the relationship-centered approach to the secondary level.
• Creating a green room for teachers
• Circle for change restorative practices.
• The contagion effect.
• The strengthening piece of the student.
• The teachers’ takeaway of their students after attending the circle space session.
• Cross-connection between students

[29:57 – 55:30] Conversation Before Consequences 

• How restorative practices reshaped the lens.
• The philosophy of dealing with consequences and discipline.
• Focus on finding another method.
• Anger is typically gone in 48 hours.
• Giving the students a chance to make it right.
• Accountability piece to support teachers.
• Punishment piece.
• Ryan breaks down the process of facilitating the conversation.
• The direct outcomes and change behavior or reduce discipline referrals on this method.
• The take-aways and responses from teachers of this strategy.

[ 53:35 – 01:00:03] Closing Segment

• Ryan shares a closing message
• I share my takeaway from this interview
• How to connect with Ryan.
• See links below
• Final thoughts and words of advice.

Tweetable Quotes:

“People win what they focus on.” – Ryan Brassell.

”We all have things going on in our lives, and the students do too” –  Ryan Brassell.

“ We want the children to be held accountable for their actions, not punished .” –  Ryan Brassell.

Connect with Ryan via email to rbrassell@mesquiteisd.org, or you can also connect to his personal email ryanbrassell.903@gmail.com. 

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